Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader, and childhood good friend, Cleto Escobedo III died on Tuesday morning, Kimmel introduced on social media.
Escobedo, who led the band Cleto and the Cletones on Kimmel’s present “Jimmy Kimmel Reside!” was 59.
No reason for demise was supplied.
“Early this morning, we misplaced a terrific good friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” wrote Kimmel in an Instagram submit on Tuesday. “To say that we’re heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I’ve been inseparable since I used to be 9 years outdated.”
Cleto Escobedo III attends the annual Preserve Reminiscence Alive “Energy of Love” gala profit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Middle for Mind Well being honoring Jimmy Kimmel at MGM Grand Backyard Area, Feb. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Ethan Miller/Getty Photos
Kimmel continued, “The truth that we started working collectively day by day is a dream neither of us may ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your folks and please hold Cleto’s spouse, youngsters and oldsters in your prayers.”
Kimmel mirrored on his relationship with Escobedo in a 2016 section celebrating Escobedo’s fiftieth birthday.
He defined he met Escobedo in 1977 after transferring to Las Vegas, when Escobedo turned his neighbor. Within the birthday tribute, Kimmel mentioned his early relationship with Escobedo, and shared photographs of the pair of their youth.
In a 2021 interview with “Jimmy Kimmel Reside’s” Guillermo, Escobedo mentioned his rise to engaged on Kimmel’s present.
“I believe I used to be in Atlanta, and Jimmy known as and stated ‘Hey man, I believe I’m gonna have this present. Do you wanna be my bandleader?’ After all I used to be like ‘Sure.’’” Escobedo stated. “It’s been the very best gig ever.”
ABC Information has reached out to a consultant for Kimmel.
